Skip the navigation and go directly to the content.
The following is a list of books and videos available at the County Resource Library, which is located in your County Cooperative Extension Office.
All the Colors We Are/Todos los Colores de Nuestra Piel
By Katie Kissinger and Wernher Krutein. Redleaf Press, 1994
Using outstanding color photographs, this books showcases the beautiful
diversity of human skin color. This book offers young children a simple,
scientifically accurate explanation of how we get our skin color.
Are You Sad Too? Helping Children Deal with Loss and Death
By D. Seibert, J.C. Drolet, J.V. Fetro. TR Associates, 1993
Excellent and comprehensive treatment of loss and separation from
assessing one's own experience and beliefs to responding to children's
questions according to their level of understanding. Includes a very good
bibliography of children's books about death plus suggested readings for
adults.
Accreditation Criteria & Procedures of the National Academy
of Early Childhood Programs
Revised Edition
Improve your program with these standards set by the early childhood
profession. Programs that apply for accreditation through the National
Academy of Early Childhood Programs will receive this book in their self-study
package.
Changing Places: A Kid's View of Shelter Living
By Margie Chalofsky, Glen Finland, Judy Wallace. Gryphon House,
1992
This book presents an array of problems encountered by homeless people
from the child's point of view in eight different circumstances. Can be
used by both child and adult. Excellent for increasing the understanding
of this widespread problem.
Child's Play: 200 Instant Crafts Activities for Preschoolers
By Leslie Hamilton. Crown, 1989
This collection is intended for children ages eighten months to six
years. Each activity is coded to indicate the approximate age level. Emphasis
is on quick and easy projects using inexpensive or free materials. Recycle
throwaways for fun.
Circle Time Book for Holidays and Seasons
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1982
Designed for groups, each holiday theme includes background material,
language games, action games, suggestions for classroom visitors, possible
field trips, and related storybooks. The intent is to call attention to
celebrations throughout the curriculum.
Creative Play Activities for Children with Disabilities,
A Resource Book for Children with Disabilities (second addition)
By Lisa Rappaport Morris and Linda Schultz. Human Kinetic Books, 1989
Contains numerous activities, games and directions for making simple
toys for children with disabilities ranging from birth to eight years
old. Each activity lists detailed directions,items needed, benefits and
necessary adaptations for different disabilities. Emphasizes role of family,
teachers, and therapists working together to expand child's world of play.
The Difficult Child
By Stanley Turecki. Bantam Books, 1985
Some children are born with a difficult temperament. This book tells
how to identify such a child and outlines a program for coping with these
inherent problems.
DinoSauring
By Robert Simmons, Nancy Thomas and Carol Beckman. Channels
to Children, 1989
A very through guide for developing a study of dinosaurs with activities
for all facets of the curriculum.
Don't Move the Muffin Tins
By Bev Bos. Turn-the-page Press, Inc., 1978
The author's philosophy toward the creative use of materials, developing
a sense of the child in your own thinking about art is an outstanding
feature of this book. Her ten rules for "getting the feel of it"
help the adult focus on the child and the process rather than the end
product. Presenting the materials and standing back is often the best
approach in releasing the artist in young children.
Early Childhood Activity Guide for Holidays and Seasons
By Carol Beckman, Robert Simmons, and Nancy Thomas. Channels
to Children, 1982
Extensive coverage of five major holidays and the four seasons including
concepts to be taught, art and cooking activities, games, creative dramatics,
math and science ideas, music, and possible field trips. Other national,
religious and ethnic holidays are presented with less detail. No specific
age ranges are given. The caretaker must choose according to developmental
needs and interests of the children.
Early Violence Prevention: Tools for Teachers of Young Children
By R.G. Slaby, W.C. Roedell, D. Arezzo, and K. Hendrix
Prove, practical ways to help children grow up to be assertive and non-violent
problem solvers. This book brings early childhood educators the latest
knowledge on effective teaching strategies for early violence prevention.
Emergemt Curriculum
By E. Jones and J Nimmo
This fascinating book listens in on the on-going discussion among teachers
in one center as they move through a year planning –p; and continually
changing their plans –p; in response to children's inerests and activities.
A stimulating, inspiring resource for staff development.
Everyone Has a Body: Science from Head to Toe
By Robert E. Rockwell, Robert A. Williams, and Elizabeth A.
Sherwood. Gryphon House, 1992
The body is a scientific storehouse. This volume includes background
information, vocabulary, material lists, specific direction and additional
suggestions for activities involving the child's body and the five senses.
All are developmentally appropriate for children ages three to six.
Everyone Wins! Cooperative Games and Axtivities
By Sambhava and Josette Luvmour. New Society Publishers, 1990
Excellent introduction to games of cooperation. Games are organized
and indexed by four categories –p; activity level, age, location
and group size. Materials and props are simple and inexpensive.
Felt Board for Every Day and Holidays
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1984
This book encourages the use of a felt board to present eleven basic
concepts and fifteen holidays. Over 600 patterns are included. Many can
be used as silhouettes. Each activity lists the necessary felt items and
additionasl props if required.
Follow Me Too: A Handbook of Movement Activities for Three-to-Five
Year Olds
By Marianne Torbert and Lynne B. Schneider. Addison-Wesley
Publishing Co., 1993
Almost fifty active, organized group games and activities that emphasize
cooperation and inclusion while allowing each child to participate at
their level of ability. Most require no special equipment or materials.
From Kids with Love: Gifts Preschoolers Can Make and Give
By Janis Hill and Laura Partick. Fearon Teachers'Aids, 1987
Procedures for making more than 70 gifts in seven categories are presented.
A materials list, variations and helpful hints for working with various
ages are included. Giftmakers and recipients will both be delighted.
Games to Play with Babies, Revised Addition
By Jackie Silberg. Gryphon House, 1993
Games to Play with Toddlers
By Jackie Silberg. Gryphon House, 1993
Games to Play with Two Year Olds
By Jackie Silberg. Gryphon House, 1994
Each volume presents one game per page with appropriate age ranges, neccessary
materials, explicit instructions for playing the game, and what the child
will learn. Games are easy to play and use everyday materials. Excellent
resources.
Get Ready, Set, Grow! A Preplanned Calendar of Preschool Activities
Fearon Teachers'Aids, 1987
This calendar includes three activity units for each week's theme.
Daily activities include indoor play, art, music, snack, learning time,
outdoor play, and storytime.
Get Growing! Exciting Indoor Plant Projects for Kids
By Lois Walker. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1990
Directions for planting eleven common fruits and vegetables plus craft
ideas and recipes for each.
Globalchild:Multicultural Resources for Young Children
By Maureen Cech. Addison-Wesley, 1991
Focus is on the commonalities among cultures which can be expressed
in music, movement, art, and food. Five major themes, harvest, masquerade,
festival of light, new year celebrations and spring form the content for
a great variety of activities. Excellent guide for expanding multicultural
awareness and activities.
Growing Teachers: Partnerships in Staff Development
Edited by E. Jones
Even experienced teachers and caregivers have plenty of room to grow.
In this book, individuals from many different settings –p; and the
sensitive mentors who helped facilitate their growth –p; tell of
their satisfying personal journeys toward more effective teaching. In
the process they share a host of staff-development strategies. Especially
for teacher educators, directors, and principals.
A Guide to Discipline
By J.G. Stone
Help children discipline themselves by your words, manner, and strategies
to avoid problems in advance. What to do when children hit, kick or bite.
Great for parents, too.
Hello Toes! Movement Games for Children
By Anne Lief Barlin and Nurit Kalev. Princeton Book Company,
1989
These games of movement and dance are for adults and children to perform
together. Some use common household objects while others depend on the
imagination. The first section includes dance stories and rythmic chants
that can be used to create a more complex dance work. Each game includes
a chart listing what the child gains from the experience in physical,
cognitive and emotional/social areas of growth.
Helping Children Cope with Divorce
By Edward Teyber. Lexington Books, 1992
A through presentation of the multiple factors involved in a divorce
situation with primary emphasis on the child's perspective.
Helping Young Children Develop Through Play: A Practical Guide
for Paretns, Caregivers, and Teachers
By Janet K. Swanger and Cosby S. Rogers. National Association
for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 1988
Emphasizes the rationale and importance of play with the adult playing
a vital supporting role. Specific suggestions are given for age ranges
from birth through eight years old.
How to Get Your Kids to Eat...But Not Too Much, from Birth to Adolescence
By Ellyn Satter. Bull Publishing Company, 1987
This book answers virtually any question you could ask about feeding
children from birth through adolescence. The division of responsibility
between parent and child as the basic consistent perspective is most helpful.
Highly recommended.
Imagination Stretchers
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1985
Over 400 short questions and/or statements organized by month and
designed to spark conversations and creative thinking. These can be used
at any time throughout the day.
Including Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Programs
Edited by M. Wolery and J.S. Wilbers
As more and more early childhood programs enroll children with special
needs, teachers and caregivers confront new challenges and opportunities.
This book provides a thoughtful synthesis of research and implications
for creating successful, inclusive programs.
More Every Day Circle Times
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1985
Designed for large and sdmall group times, the 48 themes are presented
with an opening activity followed by fingerplays, language and active
games, songs, snack ideas, and field trips when appropriate. Each theme
lists relevant story books.
Mudpies to Magnets: A Preschool Science Curriculum
By Robert Williams, Robert E. Rockwell, and Elizabeth A. Sherwood.
Gryphon House, 1987
A wide range of science activities in nine broad categories. Each
activity includes the art range, vocabulary, materials list, directions,
and suggestions for additional activities.
The Multicultural Caterpillar: Children's Activities in Cultural
Awareness
By Ana C. Matiella. ETR Associates, 1990
Organized around eight universal concepts, the activities help children
see how people in different cultures meet their basic needs.Likenesses
and differences are shown to be a part of the larger world.
Open the Door, Let's Explore
Neighborhood Field Trips for Young Children
By Rhonda Redleaf. Redleaf Press,1983
A very through and comprehensive view of utilizing field trips for
first-hand sensory learning. Includes ideas for preparation, things to
do on the trip, full range of follow-up activites and a list of related
books.
Outdoor Action Games for Elementary Children
By David R. Forest and James L. Overholt. Parker Publishing
Co., 1994
More than 170 outdoor games organized into seven categories to ensure
a wide range of physical experiences.Objectives, materials list, step-by-step
directions are given for each game.
The Outside Play and Learning Book
B y Karen Miller. Gryphon House, 1989
A wonderful resource of outdoor activities for infants through age
five. Each game in eleven broad categories gives a material list, tells
what to do, includes variations and describes what the child can learn.
Appropriate age range is also indiciated.
Paint Without Brushes
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1993
A surprising array of more than 100 open-ended ways to paint without
using a brush. Each activity lists the materials, any neccessary preparations,
describes the procedures, and suggests possible variations.
Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education
By A.S. Honig
Parents are essential to a good early childhood program. This book
tells how can you involve them in better ways that pet care and birthday
parties.
Playing a Kid's Curriculum
By Sandra J. Stone. Good Year Books, 1993
The extensive range of play activities is organized by types of play;
functional, constructive, dramatic and games with rules. Each activity
has a chart designating the social and cognitive level of play.
Parenting in the 90's
By Jean B. Brooks. Mayfield Publishing,1994
Primary emphasis on social and emotional aspects of parenting including
ways parents can encourage positive qualities in children and estsblish
closer emotional relationships. The chapters on parenting during times
of change and trauma as sources of support for parents are valuable additions.
A Place for Me: Including Children with Special Needs in Early
Care and Education Settings
By P. Chandler
Today, as many children with special needs are being integrated in
early childhood settings, this book gives teachers and caregivers strong
encouragement and practical help to meet the challenges involved in making
inclusion work.
The Process of Parenting, Third Addition
By Jane B. Brooks. Mayfield Publishing, 1994
Presents parenting as a long-term interactive process between parent
and child which continuallt changes each participant. In-depth coverage
of children's physical, intellectual and personal-social development plus
the parent's tasks for promoting healthy development is provided for six
age periods. Information on working parents, single parenting, stepparenting,
and parenting children with specific needs is especially helpful.
Ready-to-Use Activities for Before and After School Programs
By Verna Stassevitch, P. Stemmler, R. Shotwell, and M. Wirth.
Center for Applied Research in Education, 1989
More than 200 activities for children ages two to twelve including
arts, crafts, games, songs, and science projects. Each activity specifies
age range, materials list, and directions plus helpful comments to extend
the activity.
Reducing Stress in Young Children's Lives
Edited by J. B. McCracken
Today's teachers and parents are increasingly concerned about the
stress on young children. This collection of articles thaat were originally
published in Young Children provides constructive, practical assistance
in helping children children deal successfully with life problems –p;
the "ordinary" strains of growing up, as well as the more intense
stresses that result from divorce, death, or abuse.
The Right Stuff for Children Birth to 8: Selecting Play Materials
to Support Development
By M.B. Bronson
This user-friendly handbook describes the play materials that are
beneficial to children from birth to age 8. Readers see at a glance the
play materials that enhance children's motor, cognitive, and social-emotional
development at each age and the key features to look for in each item.
Includes clear descriptions of what children are like at each age, including
very concrete information on what they enjoy doing.
Roots and Wings: Affirming Culture in Early Childhood Programs
By Stacey York. Redleaf Press, 1991
A comprehensive discussion of the nature of multicultural education,
the process of integrating it into the existing curriculum, and teaching
it through the classroom environment. Specific activities are included
to reinforce this broad perspective.
Scaffolding Children's Learning: Vygotsky and Early Childhood Education
By L.E. Berk and A Winsler
The ideas and educationl applications of Vygotsky, increasingly intriguing
to early childhood educators, are clearly presented in this well-written,
comprehensive book. Separation
Edited by Kathy Jervis. National Association for Education
of Young Children (NAEYC), 1984
Presents the common problem of separation anxiety as it relates to the
child (ages two to four) adult and caregiver. Suggested strategies for
coping with it in a variety of situations are given.
Setting Up for Infant/Child Care:Guidelines for Centers and Family
Child Care Homes (revised)
San Fernando Valley Child Care Consortium: A Godwin and L. Schrag,
Co-Chairs
Starting a program for babies and toddlers? These ecperts describe
hot to work with parents, keep children safe and healthy, and promote
all areas of their development. Includes: job descriptions, staffing schedules,
budgets, and discussion of family child care systems and satellite child
care homes. Also includes new material on business aspects of setting
up a program and serving children with special needs.
School-Age Ideas and Activities for After School Programs
By Karen Haas-Foletta and Michele Cogley. School-Age Notes,
1990
An excellent overview of the philosophy and logistics of implementing
a school-age program for children five to twelve. Programming ideas and
140 "program-tested" activities and games are included.
Small World Celebrations
By Jean Warren and Elizabeth McKinnon. Warren Publishing House,
Inc., 1989
This book contains suggestions for introducing yourg children to fifteen
cultures by celebrating their holidays and festivals. Included is background
information, ideas for art, language, science and movement activities,
games, music, and appropriate snacks plus adapted folktales from each
culture.
Special Day Celebrations
By Elizabeth McKinnon. Warren Publishing House, Inc., 1989
Suggestions for celebrating fifty-five special days include familiar
holidays, holidays from other cultures and special events such as National
Children's Book Week. Background information plus an art activity, songs,
snack suggestions, games and/or learning activities are given to make
the celebration memorable.
Story S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-R-S
BY Shirley C. Raines and Robert J Canady. Gryphon House, 1989
Activities for extending the read-aloud experience are given for ninety
favorite children's books representing eighteen themes such as families,
friendship, seasons, etc... Ideas are suggested for gruop time, art, cooking
snacks, library corner, math and science. Additional books and erferences
are included for each theme.
Supporting Young Learners
By Nancy A Brickman and Lynn S. Taylor. High/Scope Press, 1991
Using the High/Scope Curriculum as a model, this collection of articles
is a wide-ranging presentation of the elements neccessary for children
to actively participate in learning. It includes multiple strategies for
working with young children, suggestions for designing physical settings
and planning daily routines.
Table and Floor Games
By Liz and Dick Wilmes. Building Blocks, 1994
Thirty Two games are organized according to seasons. A materials list,
complete step-by-step instructions for making and playing, and possible
variations are given for each game. Reproducible patterns for playing
pieces are included.
Teacher-Parent Relationships
By J.G. Stone
Acompassionatebooklet, full of practical guidance and beautiful photoghraphs,
on an aspect of teaching that is difficult and essential for teachers
to do gracefully –p; working warmly and respectfully with parents.
Teaching Children About Food
By Christine Berman and Jacki Fromer. Bull Publishing, 1991
Good resource for introducing the social and cultural aspects of food
plus activities for children. Many additional resources are included.
Teaching Preschoolers: It Looks Like This ...In Pictures
By J.G. Stone
A delightful book by one of preschool teachers' favorite authors.
This marvelous book is almost like a photograph album, illustrating key
principles of developmentally appropriate preschool practice.
Theme-A-Saurus The Great Big Book of Mini Teaching Themes
Compiled By Jean Warren. Warren Publishing House, Inc., 1989
From Apples to Zebra this collection features six or more activities
for each theme including 16 animals,11 food items, 10 aspects from nature
and 19 inanimate objects. Each theme includes related books.
Theme-A-Saurus II The Great Big Book of Mini Teaching Themes
Compiled By Jean Warren. Warren Publishing House, Inc., 1990
From Ants to Zippers this second collection features six or more activities
for each theme including 15 animals, 5 food items, 10 aspects of nature
and 33 inanimate objects. Each mini theme lists related storybooks.
Things to Do with Toddlers and Twos
By Karen Miller. Telshare Publishing Co., 1984
A wealth of activieis/ideas organized according to different types
of toddler behaviors which allows the adult to work with the child's natural
learning drives. The final chapter on strategies for special problems
is very helpful.
Tips and Tidbits A Book for Family Day Care Providers
By Janet Gonzalez-Mena. National Association for Education of Young
Children (NAEYC), 1991
Very consise and practical information on child care including dealing
with unacceptable behavior, coping with feelings, sharing, caregiving
routines, and play. Effective ways to involve parents are stressed.
A Very Practical Guide to Discipline with Young Children
By Grace Mitchell. Telshare Publishing Co., 1982
Excellent, comprehensive and very readable, this book illustrates
realastic and workable approaches to dealing with common discipline problems.
The primary goal is developing self-discipline.
We Can All Get Along: 50 Steps You Can Take To Help End Racism
By Clyde W. Ford. Dell Publishing, 1994
A compliation of ideas that an individual can institute not only in
their own thinking but with their family, community, nation and the world
to eradicate racism. One person can make a difference.
What Do You Do With a Child Like This? Inside the Lives of Troubled
Children
By L. Token. Whole Person Associates, 1991
An extraordinarily sensitive approach to the nature and needs of troubled
children with an array of practical techniques which have proven effective
in helping them toward positive change.
What is Quality Child Care?
B.M. Caldwell and A.G. Hilliard III
Thoughtful consideration of the elements of quality early childhood
programs and action strategies for achieving such quality.
Where is Thumbkin?
By Pam Schiller and Thomas Moore. Gryphon House,1993
A very complete resource for using well known children's songs as
a basis for many additional activities in language, math, science, art,
dramatic play, cooking, and movement. Thematic connections, and bibliographies
of related books, records and tapes are included. No musical scores are
included. Many are sung to familiar tunes.
Without Spanking or Spoiling, Second Edition
By Elizabeth Crary. Parenting Press, 1979, 1993
A strong emphasis on parental recognition of personal values, self-acceptance,
and reasonable expectations for their children form the basis for the
practical guidelines for avoiding and/or solving behavior problems, as
well as increasing and teaching appropriate behaviors.
Wonderscience
By Wendy Nichols and Kim Nichols. Learning Expo Publishing,
1990
This book is a developmentally appropriate guide to hands-on science
for young children. It includes large detailed photographs, practical
and affordable experiments, and open-ended questions for discussion.
Words Can Hurt You: Beginning a Program of Anti-Bias Education
By Barbara J. Thompson. Addison-Wesley, 1993
A description of the need for and nature of anti-bias curriculum followed
by 49 activities which go well beyond the"tourist" approach
in developing a multicultural environment in the pre-school and early
elememtary classroom.
Young and Old Together
By C Seefeldt & B. Warman
Offers teachers a rationale and concrete suggestions for bringing
the generations into the classroom. This comprehensive and constructive
manual will help ease the growing gap between these natural allies –p;
young children and their elders.
Bellybuttons are Navels
Produced by Focus International
Early introduction to sexuality through accurate naming of body parts
via a bedtime story.
Caring for Our Children (6 part video series)
A description of the need for and nature of anti-bias curriculum followed
by 49 activities which go well beyond the"tourist" approach
in developing a multicultural environment in the pre-school and early
elememtary classroom.
How to Start a Familty Day Care
Produced by Day Care Video Programs
Very thorough coverage of all aspects of establishing a family day
care business from initial consideration of its impact on the provider's
family through becoming part of a professional network.
Time with Toddlers
This video provides numerous specific suggestions for accommodating
toddlers needs while helping them gain new skills. Understanding the toddler's
point of view helps in caring for this challenging age group.